Mysuru: A team of officials led by SL Ravindra, designated officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), conducted an early morning inspection at the vegetable market on MG Road, one of the city’s largest wholesale vegetable markets, on Saturday. During the operation, the team detected artificially coloured green peas, allegedly treated with a green colouring agent to enhance their visual appearance to increase their consumer appeal.The inspection marked the third enforcement drive at the market targeting the sale of artificially coloured green peas. Officials stated that regulatory action will be initiated against vendors found violating food safety norms.According to Ravindra, the inspection commenced at 4.30 am. A total 106 kg of suspected coloured green peas were seized from six vendors. One statutory sample and three survey samples were collected and sent for laboratory analysis, to determine the presence and nature of the colouring agents. In addition, around 25 vendors were sensitised about the potential health risks associated with the use of unauthorised colour additives.Officials explained that some vendors reportedly procure dried green peas and apply artificial colouring agents to restore or enhance their green appearance, before offering them for sale. Such practices can mislead consumers regarding the freshness and quality of the produce.Ravindra said when suspected green peas are immersed in a transparent container of water and gently agitated, the release of green colour into the water may suggest the use of an external colouring agent.The inspection was carried out by food safety officers from all three Mysuru circles, including Girish SR (circle 1), Rajesh (circle 2) and Balasubramanya (circle 3).
